Building trust with young teenage girls, particularly those who have experienced abuse and trauma, requires a careful, compassionate, and consistent approach. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) can play a vital role in helping these young girls feel safe, understood, and empowered. This is precisely what CASA Julia has done for 17-year-old Jennifer* and 15-year-old Nicole*, who entered the foster care system under incredibly complex and painful circumstances.
In late 2023, an immediate response referral alleging general neglect and at-risk sibling abuse was made. Police investigators reported physical violence and inappropriate behavior by Jennifer and Nicole’s father. The girls were immediately removed from the home and placed together in a foster home. Then, they met their CASA, Julia, who took the time to meet with them frequently to get to know them better so that they would come to see her as someone they could trust. CASA Julia would take the girls for ice cream or lunch and play games during car rides. Through these interactions, CASA Julia discovered that Jennifer is an energetic and determined young girl who loves sports, does well in school, and has many interests as she thinks about her future. In Nicole, CASA Julia saw a smart and intuitive girl who can be timid but demonstrates self-confidence and works hard to stand up for herself.
As time passed, it became evident that the girls’ living environment was not ideal. CASA Julia observed the dynamic between the girls and the caregiver as somewhat distant. Jennifer and Nicole were open and honest with CASA Julia, confiding in her about certain situations with the caregiver. Nonetheless, in a very composed and graceful manner, CASA Julia communicated with the caregiver, navigating a delicate balance between respecting the caregiver’s beliefs while also advocating for the needs and well-being of the girls, especially regarding their safety, independence, and emotional health. Unfortunately, the relationship between the caregiver and the sisters did not improve. When Jennifer and Nicole shared that they would rather be separated into different placements than stay where they were, CASA Julia knew that the girls’ autonomy, trust, and safety mattered most. CASA Julia immediately contacted the girl’s social worker and attorney, who acknowledged that the placement was not a good fit.
At the same time, Jennifer and Nicole’s mother had supervised visits and was participating in the reunification services by taking classes to learn how to be a better parent. She shared with CASA Julia that she wants to reunify with her daughters, even if that means divorcing her husband, who was no longer living in their home. With everything that had happened with the caregiver and the progress that the mother was making, there was an immediate hearing at the request of the mother to permit Nicole and Jennifer to have extended visitation. It was the mother’s hope to have her daughters at home while the family received supportive and protective services to ensure the girls’ well-being and stability.
Shortly after the girls returned home with their mother, CASA Julia was no longer allowed to speak to or see the girls. Following her instincts that something wasn’t right, CASA Julia’s persistence finally paid off, and she was able to meet the girls for a few hours. Her heart sank as she listened to the girl’s words. Things at home weren’t any better, and their mother was planning to let their father back in the home despite a restraining order. They also shared that she consistently blamed them for their separation and pressured them to interact with him. It was clear they were in deep distress, torn between their loyalty to their mother and the fear of their father’s return to their home.
CASA Julia knew she had to act quickly. She carefully documented everything and reached out to the girl’s attorney and social worker, who had been led to believe that everything was well. With the situation having escalated beyond what was initially understood, the judge ordered the girls to be immediately removed and the dependency petition reinstated. After the hearing, the girl’s attorney personally thanked CASA Julia for her persistence. “Without you,” he said, “the court might never have seen what was really happening behind closed doors.”
Because of CASA Julia, Jennifer, and Nicole’s voices were heard, their truths were brought to light, and their safety was no longer in question. Her actions served as a powerful reminder to everyone involved that the role of a CASA is not just about offering guidance; it’s about standing firm in the face of adversity, being the advocate when others are too quick to dismiss, and never giving up on the children who depend on someone to believe in them. Her unwavering dedication has given them a chance at a better life.
Today, the girls live together in a foster home with an experienced foster mother who instantly made them feel comfortable and safe. As reunification is no longer possible, the girls will remain in the foster care system long-term. For Jennifer, the oldest, this decision brings a sense of peace. She has come to terms with the fact that her home with her mother is not a safe place. She welcomes the certainty of staying in a stable home. Nicole, the youngest, is still adjusting to the changes. The transition to a new environment, the loss of her old life, and the uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on her. She is still grappling with the trauma of the past, but the caring nature of the foster mother and the support from CASA Julia help her feel more at ease each day.
Through it all, both girls turn to CASA Julia more than ever. She has become their rock, the one person they trust to help them navigate the challenges that lie ahead. CASA Julia makes it her priority to be there for them, helping them cope with the changes, offering reassurance, and simply listening when they need to talk. For CASA Julia, the work is far from over. She knows that although the girls are in a better place, their healing process will take time. Her role isn’t just about advocating in court anymore—it’s about being the consistent support they need, offering them a steady hand as they adjust to their new life. The girls may have been through so much, but with Julia by their side, they aren’t facing it alone.
Name: Julia P.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Graduate student
Became a CASA in: 2024
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “Building trust with my kiddos. They’ve been through so much and need an adult voice to help them amplify their own. After being with them for almost a year, I’m proud they call me their ‘cool aunt!’”
You, too, can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Your support and advocacy can be a beacon of hope for young teenage girls like Jennifer and Nicole. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
San Diego County CASA of the Month – March 2025